Pediatric Critical Care

Rely on the experts at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota, to provide comprehensive critical care to children of all ages in our dedicated pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). We offer a healing environment with staff who are focused on treating the medical and developmental needs of children, as well as supporting their families.

What Does PICU Mean?

A pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is a department in a health care facility where specially trained professionals treat patients who are in need a high level of care and constant monitoring.

Critical Care for Children

Pediatric critical care is the specialized care of children and adolescents who are recovering from a life-threatening condition. Depend on the compassionate staff at Essentia to provide:

24/7 care and monitoring

Daily rounds at your child’s bedside, where you can receive updates and ask questions

Emotional support and encouragement to your entire family

Referrals to community resources

Safe sedation services, if needed

Education about at-home and follow-up care

You’ll appreciate Essentia’s family-centered approach to care. We consider your family’s preferences, needs, and comfort. Participate in your child’s care at a level that works for you. You can also stay by your child's side and visit them whenever you’re able. There are no set visiting hours in the PICU.

What's a Pediatric Intensivist?

Your PICU team is led by a pediatric intensivist—a doctor with advanced training in pediatric critical care. That means you benefit from the experience and education of a doctor who specializes in treating very ill patients.

Your Child’s Medical Team

Rest assured that your child will receive the best possible medical care from a team of health care professionals with specialized training. Your child’s team may consist of:

Pediatric intensivists

Pediatric specialists

Pediatricians

Nurse practitioners

Registered nurses (certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support)

Clinical support staff with diverse experience in many pediatric specialties

High-Quality Trauma Care

Count on St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital for top-quality care after a severe injury or accident. Your child’s care may start in our emergency department—the only Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in the area. If they need continued care and monitoring, we’ll admit them to the pediatric intensive care unit.